Difference between revisions of "AH-64A Peten (USA)"

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{{Specs-Card|code=ah_64a_peten}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = American attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = AH-64 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=ah_64a_peten
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|StoreImage_{{PAGENAME}}_002.jpg}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced as a [[wt:en/news/6634-news-meet-major-update-viking-fury-en|premium pack]] in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]]. It was removed from the store at the start of the Israeli [[wt:en/news/7573-development-zachlam-m3-tager-half-track-abroad-en|ground forces CBT]].
−
{{break}}
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]].
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
−
''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
{{Specs-Heli-Flight}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 +
The AH-64A Peten is one of the fastest helicopters in the game as it has a very powerful engine, which also gives the Peten a good climb rate. Manoeuvrability at high speed is excellent.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="3" | Characteristics
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | ''Stock''
 
−
|-
 
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 1,000 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 1,000 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
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! AB !! RB
 
! AB !! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ___ || ___ || {{Specs|ceiling}}
+
! Stock
 +
| 275 || 257 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="3" | ''Upgraded''
+
! Upgraded
 +
| 324 || 300
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 1,000 m)
+
|}
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
+
 
 +
=== Survivability and armour ===
 +
{{Specs-Heli-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.'' -->
 +
 
 +
The Peten is a very tough helicopter, and can usually take a couple of hits from air-to-air missiles and small-calibre cannon rounds and still fly. The crew is very well protected, so getting pilot-sniped is a rare occurrence. The engines can also usually take a hit or two without exploding like other engines.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 
 +
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AB !! RB
+
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs)
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ___ || ___ || {{Specs|ceiling}}
+
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Heli-Offensive}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the helicopter, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in battle, also what ammunition belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|M230E-1 (30 mm)}}
  
−
=== Survivability and armour ===
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
−
''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.''
+
 
 +
* A choice between two presets:
 +
** 1 x 30 mm M230E-1 cannon, chin turret (1,200 rpg) + 30 x countermeasures
 +
** 1 x 30 mm M230E-1 cannon + 30 x countermeasures + IRCM
  
−
== Armaments ==
+
The Peten has the same 30 mm cannon as the other Apaches in the game currently, and only has one belt choice. The belt carries only HEDP rounds, and can penetrate up to 51 mm of armour. The gun is fast firing, but relatively inaccurate, so shooting in close range is the best way to hit your target. If you don't mind the inaccuracy of the gun, it is a very good weapon all around. It can be locked in gunner and 3rd person view and will automatically track the target.
−
=== Offensive armament ===
 
−
''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''
 
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
−
''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any bombs, and rockets. Since any helicopter is essentially only a platform for suspended weaponry, this section is significant and deserves your special attention. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! !! width="7%" | 1 !! width="7%" | 2 !! width="7%" | 3 !! width="7%" | 4 !! width="7%" | 5 !! width="7%" | 6
 +
| rowspan="4" width="20%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_AH-64A_(Israel).png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[Hydra-70 M247]] rockets
 +
| || 19 || 19 || 19 || 19 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AGM-114B Hellfire]] missiles
 +
| || 2, 4 || 2, 4 || 2, 4 || 2, 4 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[ATAS (AIM-92)]] missiles
 +
| 2 || || || || || 2
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
=== Defensive armament ===
+
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
−
''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.''
+
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
* Without load
 +
* 4 x ATAS (AIM-92) missiles
 +
* 76 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
 +
* 8 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
 +
* 16 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
 +
 
 +
The Peten can carry up to 16 Hellfire ATGMs with over 1,000 mm of pen, 76 Hydra rockets with over 200 mm of pen, or 4 Stinger AAMs. The weapons are carried on the stub wings and can be carried in several different variations. The Hellfires are excellent missiles, although since the player must keep "painting" a laser beam on the target, misses can occur if the target lock slips. The Hydra rockets are generally very effective, especially when used with the ballistic computer. 76 rockets is enough for 3-5 tanks if they are used by an experienced player. However, the Stinger AAMs are not the best in the game by any stretch, with relatively little explosive mass and only a 10G overload. They may take 2-3 hits to damage aircraft, and heavily armoured helicopters such as the Mi-28 may survive multiple hits.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
 
 +
'''Overview:'''
 +
 
 +
The AH-64A Peten is an excellent helicopter for attacking ground targets, and can also hold its own against many enemy aircraft. Through adequate use of cover, teamwork, and game sense, the Apache can easily dismantle enemy teams. An Apache pilot must understand all of the tools at their disposal. The only difference between the Peten and the tech tree [[AH-64A]] is that the Peten lacks access to the AIM-9L Sidewinders as an ordnance option.
 +
 
 +
The Apache has an arsenal of weapons. The most effective anti-tank weapon in the Apache's arsenal is the AGM-114 Hellfire, which uses a top attack trajectory to destroy ground vehicles. There is functionally very little difference between the AGM-114B and K variants, used on early and late Apaches respectively.
 +
 
 +
'''Staying Alive:'''
 +
 
 +
Flying the Apache effectively can be more difficult than most players would imagine. Trying to deal with threats from enemy air and ground vehicles while continuing to attack the enemy team can be difficult. If distracted, a pilot can quickly lose situational awareness. Being successful in the Apache requires situational awareness above all else. Due to the fragility of the helicopter, any blindspot can lead to a quick and sudden death. Additionally, the mobility of the Apache is adequate but not impressive, so evasive manoeuvres are not always effective.
 +
 
 +
Using cover is a very important part of staying alive in the Apache. Always stay behind a hill or building in ground battles. When exposing yourself in order to fire on the enemy, be mindful to not gain too much altitude. Most importantly, ''Always listen to your RWR.'' If you hear an alarm, take evasive action immediately.
 +
 
 +
Additionally, it is important to know when to use flares. Flares are extremely effective against heat-seeking missiles, but useless against any other missiles. It is the responsibility of the Apache pilot to recognize the threat and decide whether to use flares or not.
 +
 
 +
'''Air-to-Air (Stinger and Gun):'''
 +
 
 +
The Apache is surprisingly potent in air-to-air combat. Engagements should be conducted primarily through the use of the AIM-92 Stinger missiles. The Stinger is a simple but effective air-to-air missile. It has an excellent seeker head and can obtain all aspect lock on almost any air target within 3-5 km (even propeller aircraft with a low heat signature). However, the Stinger can be easily fooled by flares or outmanoeuvred by a fast enemy aircraft. The best way to use the Stinger against enemy aircraft is when they are heading directly towards you. If fired at the right second, most enemies will struggle to dodge a Stinger.
 +
 
 +
If the enemy gets close, the 30 mm autocannon can be extremely effective. The gun will automatically aim with optical lock, so Apache pilots can aim accurately while taking evasive manoeuvres.
 +
 
 +
'''Close Range Air-to-Ground (Gun and Rockets):'''
 +
 
 +
At close range, the Apache has excellent offensive capability. The 30 mm autocannon is incredibly accurate even at surprisingly far distances. This cannon uses a High Explosive Dual Purpose round that can engage lightly armoured targets. Rocket pods can also be used, with the CCIP computer helping maintain accuracy even at further distances. Be careful when trying to use the Hellfire missile at close range. It can do a direct attack at closer ranges (rather than its usual top attack) but if fired at an odd angle, it may not have time to manoeuvre onto the target if fired at closer ranges.
 +
 
 +
The problem with trying to engage at close range is that doing so will put the Apache in huge amounts of danger. Enemy tanks will be able to quickly destroy the Apache with their main guns or anti-aircraft machine guns.
 +
 
 +
[[File:HellfireTrajectory.png|thumb]]
 +
'''Long Range Air-to-Ground (Hellfire): '''
 +
 
 +
At longer ranges, the Hellfire missile can be used to full effect. The Hellfire will guide on its target as shown in the attached diagram. This is known as top attack. Being that it takes this path to the enemy target, the Hellfire can take upward of 30 seconds to reach its target at longer ranges. Do not fire at enemies that are about to move to cover, and make sure to fire multiple missiles at once in order to deal maximum damage. Because the Hellfire is laser guided, multiple missiles can be fired at once. They should be fired at intervals of 5-10 seconds, where between missiles the Apache can switch to a new ground target. This will allow for the quick destruction of multiple enemies. This tactic can be incredibly effective. Although the time to target for the most recently fired Hellfire is available on the HUD, pilots will have to keep track of all the missiles they have fired by memory and quick calculations.
 +
[[File:HellfireSequenceDemonstration.mp4|left]]
 +
 
 +
Combatting enemy anti-aircraft vehicles can be a challenge. Always remain in cover and move unpredictably in combat. Use the radar warning receiver to obtain the general direction of enemy AA, and then attack with a Hellfire. An effective strategy is to fire a Hellfire, break optical lock to gain cover and avoid counterfire, and then pop back up and get lock again several seconds before the Hellfire hits. This strategy if applied correctly will result in a hit, as the Hellfire is smart enough to begin following the laser designator again once the Apache re-obtains its lock.
 +
{{Clear}}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
 
* Activation of 3rd person lock by changing MFD on the pilot's view
 
* Activation of 3rd person lock by changing MFD on the pilot's view
−
* Very high top speed, if you stay low or high you are always the one most maneuverable
+
* High top speed
−
* Amazing 30 mm cannon, can easily take out most tanks, and when locked can take out jets and helicopters too.
+
* Amazing 30 mm cannon, can easily take out most tanks, and when locked can take out jets and helicopters too
 +
* Excellent secondary armament; can carry up to 16 Hellfires and still carry AAMs
 +
* Can use ballistic computer to dramatically increase the effectiveness of Hydra rockets
 +
* Can lock targets for 30 mm cannon to automatically track
 +
* Excellent thermals
 +
* Well armoured for a helicopter; may survive hits from SAMs
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Stinger air to air missiles don't have a reliable lock, and not enough explosive mass to do any real damage
+
* Stinger air-to-air missiles don't turn well, aren't reliable, and don't have enough explosive mass to guarantee a kill upon a hit
−
* No MAW Radar unlike the other comparable helicopters
+
* Hellfires are difficult to guide to air targets due to their trajectory
−
* Hellfires rarely hit other helicopters
+
* 30 mm cannon only can access default belt
 +
* 30 mm cannon is relatively inaccurate
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
 
 +
Israeli involvement in the Apache programs goes back to June 1983, when a prototype for the AH-64A Apache was sent to Israel for flight testing (by Israeli pilots) and testing of the aircraft in desert conditions. The testing directly resulted in a recommendation by the Israeli Air Force (IAF) for purchase of the Apache in order to increase the IAF's anti-tank capabilities.
 +
 
 +
Israel became the first nation to have received the AH-64A Apache - other than the US - on 11 September 1990, when the first helicopter arrived. The first nation on the list for export had been Kuwait, but when Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990 the order was delayed. The first two helicopters were assembled in eleven hours - half the time that McDonnell Douglas recommended - and they arrived a day before the planned welcoming ceremony. By 2000, the IAF was operating 42 AH-64As. The AH-64A in Israeli service is known as the '''AH-64A Peten''', which translates to 'Cobra'.
 +
 
 +
The AH-64A was put into service, and its first combat action occurred on 24 October 1990, with an attack on suspected terrorist positions. AH-64A Petens were used heavily during the 1993 Operation Accountability in Lebanon. They also participated in the 1996 Operation Grapes of Wrath against Hezbollah in Lebanon. On 13 April 1996, AH-64s killed six civilians when they fired two Hellfire missiles at an ambulance. Israeli AH-64s were used to kill senior figures in Hamas during the al-Aqsa Intifada in the 2000's. During the 2006 Lebanon War, IAF Apaches were used again to launch strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Apache saw heavy combat during the 2008 Operation Cast Lead, fighting against Hamas in Gaza. Israeli Apaches have been used to patrol the skies of Gaza, and often carried out strikes there against insurgents.
 +
 
 +
The IAF AH-64A began to be upgraded to the AH-64Ai standard in 2013, comparable to the AH-64D - which has also been used by the IAF since 2005. The IAF currently operates over 40 AH-64 helicopters in two squadrons.
 +
 
 +
=== [[wt:en/news/6638-development-ah-64-apache-the-rotary-chieftain-en|Devblog]] ===
 +
In the early 1970's, the US Army was keen to adopt a more powerful attack helicopter, with improved anti-tank capabilities and performance over the existing AH-1 Cobra in service at the time. As a result, the Army initiated the 'Advanced Attack Helicopter' (AAH) program in November of 1972, requesting design proposals from a number of prominent American helicopter manufacturers.
 +
 
 +
Subsequently, various designs were proposed by Bell, Boeing, Hughes, Lockheed and Sikorsky. Of all the proposals, the Army picked two designs for further development - the Hughes' Model 77 (YAH-64) and Bell's Model 409 (YAH-63).
 +
 
 +
After conducting their maiden flights on the 30th of September and the 1st of October, 1975, respectively, further testing of the two prototypes showed deficiencies in the fields of survivability and undercarriage stability on Bell's Model 409. As a result, Bell's design was excluded from the competition, while Hughes' design was declared as the winner of the AAH program in 1976.
 +
 
 +
Following this, work on refining the YAH-64's design continued throughout the late 1970's. As part of this further development, the YAH-64 was optimized for the use of the newly developed AGM-114 Hellfire missile, which was in development since 1974. By the end of the '70's and going into the early '80's, the AH-64 was considered ready for full scale production. In 1981, the first pre-production machines were built, while the first production models began rolling off the assembly lines in 1983. Since then, the Apache has been produced in a huge numbers, participating in virtually every scale military operation of the US Army: Panama, Iraq, Bosnia, Kosovo, etc. Israel became the first foreign operator of the Apache named AH-64 Peten, where this helicopter saw intense combat in Lebanon and Gaza strip.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ah_64a_peten Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Images
 +
<gallery mode="packed" caption="Store Pack Images" heights="150">
 +
File:AH-64A Peten Store Pack Image 01.jpg|
 +
File:AH-64A Peten Store Pack Image 02.jpg|
 +
File:AH-64A Peten Store Pack Image 03.jpg|
 +
File:AH-64A Peten Store Pack Image 05.jpg|
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|irF2YOn8zOs|'''AH-64 Apache Ultimate Review''' - ''Bob Dickinson''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 82: Line 210:
  
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the helicopter;''
 
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer Boeing}}
 
{{USA helicopters}}
 
{{USA helicopters}}

Latest revision as of 20:25, 2 February 2024

Introducing Wiki 3.0
This page is about the American attack helicopter AH-64A Peten (USA). For other versions, see AH-64 (Family).
▃AH-64A Peten
ah_64a_peten.png
GarageImage AH-64A Peten (USA).jpg
StoreImage AH-64A Peten (USA) 002.jpg
▃AH-64A Peten
USA flag.png USA
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.3 11.7 10.3
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift

Description

The ▃AH-64A Peten is a premium gift rank VI American attack helicopter with a battle rating of 10.3 (AB/SB) and 11.7 (RB). It was introduced as a premium pack in Update 1.97 "Viking Fury". It was removed from the store at the start of the Israeli ground forces CBT.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 1 000 m300 km/h
Max altitude5 400 m
Engine2 х General Electric T700-GE-701
Take-off weight8 t

The AH-64A Peten is one of the fastest helicopters in the game as it has a very powerful engine, which also gives the Peten a good climb rate. Manoeuvrability at high speed is excellent.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 1,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres)
AB RB
Stock 275 257 5400
Upgraded 324 300

Survivability and armour

IRCM
Protects against IR-guided missiles
Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural460 km/h
Gear420 km/h

The Peten is a very tough helicopter, and can usually take a couple of hits from air-to-air missiles and small-calibre cannon rounds and still fly. The crew is very well protected, so getting pilot-sniped is a rare occurrence. The engines can also usually take a hit or two without exploding like other engines.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB5 544 Sl icon.png
RB4 368 Sl icon.png
SB4 093 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 670 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces2 150 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 50 / 270 / 370 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Mods cd 98 main rotor.png
Replacing helicopter blades
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Mods heli flak jacket.png
Flak jacket
Mods heli structure.png
Helicopter frame
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods weapon.png
aden_new_gun
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods atgm heli preset.png
AGM-114
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods counterMeasures.png
IRCM
Mods atgm heli preset.png
AGM-114 2
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-92 Stinger

Armaments

Night vision devices
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night
Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs)
Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon RedXCross.png

Offensive armament

Main article: M230E-1 (30 mm)

The AH-64A Peten (USA) is armed with:

  • A choice between two presets:
    • 1 x 30 mm M230E-1 cannon, chin turret (1,200 rpg) + 30 x countermeasures
    • 1 x 30 mm M230E-1 cannon + 30 x countermeasures + IRCM

The Peten has the same 30 mm cannon as the other Apaches in the game currently, and only has one belt choice. The belt carries only HEDP rounds, and can penetrate up to 51 mm of armour. The gun is fast firing, but relatively inaccurate, so shooting in close range is the best way to hit your target. If you don't mind the inaccuracy of the gun, it is a very good weapon all around. It can be locked in gunner and 3rd person view and will automatically track the target.

Suspended armament

The AH-64A Peten (USA) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5 6
Hardpoints Peten.png
Hydra-70 M247 rockets 19 19 19 19
AGM-114B Hellfire missiles 2, 4 2, 4 2, 4 2, 4
ATAS (AIM-92) missiles 2 2
Default weapon presets
  • Without load
  • 4 x ATAS (AIM-92) missiles
  • 76 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
  • 8 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles
  • 16 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles

The Peten can carry up to 16 Hellfire ATGMs with over 1,000 mm of pen, 76 Hydra rockets with over 200 mm of pen, or 4 Stinger AAMs. The weapons are carried on the stub wings and can be carried in several different variations. The Hellfires are excellent missiles, although since the player must keep "painting" a laser beam on the target, misses can occur if the target lock slips. The Hydra rockets are generally very effective, especially when used with the ballistic computer. 76 rockets is enough for 3-5 tanks if they are used by an experienced player. However, the Stinger AAMs are not the best in the game by any stretch, with relatively little explosive mass and only a 10G overload. They may take 2-3 hits to damage aircraft, and heavily armoured helicopters such as the Mi-28 may survive multiple hits.

Usage in battles

Overview:

The AH-64A Peten is an excellent helicopter for attacking ground targets, and can also hold its own against many enemy aircraft. Through adequate use of cover, teamwork, and game sense, the Apache can easily dismantle enemy teams. An Apache pilot must understand all of the tools at their disposal. The only difference between the Peten and the tech tree AH-64A is that the Peten lacks access to the AIM-9L Sidewinders as an ordnance option.

The Apache has an arsenal of weapons. The most effective anti-tank weapon in the Apache's arsenal is the AGM-114 Hellfire, which uses a top attack trajectory to destroy ground vehicles. There is functionally very little difference between the AGM-114B and K variants, used on early and late Apaches respectively.

Staying Alive:

Flying the Apache effectively can be more difficult than most players would imagine. Trying to deal with threats from enemy air and ground vehicles while continuing to attack the enemy team can be difficult. If distracted, a pilot can quickly lose situational awareness. Being successful in the Apache requires situational awareness above all else. Due to the fragility of the helicopter, any blindspot can lead to a quick and sudden death. Additionally, the mobility of the Apache is adequate but not impressive, so evasive manoeuvres are not always effective.

Using cover is a very important part of staying alive in the Apache. Always stay behind a hill or building in ground battles. When exposing yourself in order to fire on the enemy, be mindful to not gain too much altitude. Most importantly, Always listen to your RWR. If you hear an alarm, take evasive action immediately.

Additionally, it is important to know when to use flares. Flares are extremely effective against heat-seeking missiles, but useless against any other missiles. It is the responsibility of the Apache pilot to recognize the threat and decide whether to use flares or not.

Air-to-Air (Stinger and Gun):

The Apache is surprisingly potent in air-to-air combat. Engagements should be conducted primarily through the use of the AIM-92 Stinger missiles. The Stinger is a simple but effective air-to-air missile. It has an excellent seeker head and can obtain all aspect lock on almost any air target within 3-5 km (even propeller aircraft with a low heat signature). However, the Stinger can be easily fooled by flares or outmanoeuvred by a fast enemy aircraft. The best way to use the Stinger against enemy aircraft is when they are heading directly towards you. If fired at the right second, most enemies will struggle to dodge a Stinger.

If the enemy gets close, the 30 mm autocannon can be extremely effective. The gun will automatically aim with optical lock, so Apache pilots can aim accurately while taking evasive manoeuvres.

Close Range Air-to-Ground (Gun and Rockets):

At close range, the Apache has excellent offensive capability. The 30 mm autocannon is incredibly accurate even at surprisingly far distances. This cannon uses a High Explosive Dual Purpose round that can engage lightly armoured targets. Rocket pods can also be used, with the CCIP computer helping maintain accuracy even at further distances. Be careful when trying to use the Hellfire missile at close range. It can do a direct attack at closer ranges (rather than its usual top attack) but if fired at an odd angle, it may not have time to manoeuvre onto the target if fired at closer ranges.

The problem with trying to engage at close range is that doing so will put the Apache in huge amounts of danger. Enemy tanks will be able to quickly destroy the Apache with their main guns or anti-aircraft machine guns.

HellfireTrajectory.png

Long Range Air-to-Ground (Hellfire):

At longer ranges, the Hellfire missile can be used to full effect. The Hellfire will guide on its target as shown in the attached diagram. This is known as top attack. Being that it takes this path to the enemy target, the Hellfire can take upward of 30 seconds to reach its target at longer ranges. Do not fire at enemies that are about to move to cover, and make sure to fire multiple missiles at once in order to deal maximum damage. Because the Hellfire is laser guided, multiple missiles can be fired at once. They should be fired at intervals of 5-10 seconds, where between missiles the Apache can switch to a new ground target. This will allow for the quick destruction of multiple enemies. This tactic can be incredibly effective. Although the time to target for the most recently fired Hellfire is available on the HUD, pilots will have to keep track of all the missiles they have fired by memory and quick calculations.

Combatting enemy anti-aircraft vehicles can be a challenge. Always remain in cover and move unpredictably in combat. Use the radar warning receiver to obtain the general direction of enemy AA, and then attack with a Hellfire. An effective strategy is to fire a Hellfire, break optical lock to gain cover and avoid counterfire, and then pop back up and get lock again several seconds before the Hellfire hits. This strategy if applied correctly will result in a hit, as the Hellfire is smart enough to begin following the laser designator again once the Apache re-obtains its lock.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Activation of 3rd person lock by changing MFD on the pilot's view
  • High top speed
  • Amazing 30 mm cannon, can easily take out most tanks, and when locked can take out jets and helicopters too
  • Excellent secondary armament; can carry up to 16 Hellfires and still carry AAMs
  • Can use ballistic computer to dramatically increase the effectiveness of Hydra rockets
  • Can lock targets for 30 mm cannon to automatically track
  • Excellent thermals
  • Well armoured for a helicopter; may survive hits from SAMs

Cons:

  • Stinger air-to-air missiles don't turn well, aren't reliable, and don't have enough explosive mass to guarantee a kill upon a hit
  • Hellfires are difficult to guide to air targets due to their trajectory
  • 30 mm cannon only can access default belt
  • 30 mm cannon is relatively inaccurate

History

Israeli involvement in the Apache programs goes back to June 1983, when a prototype for the AH-64A Apache was sent to Israel for flight testing (by Israeli pilots) and testing of the aircraft in desert conditions. The testing directly resulted in a recommendation by the Israeli Air Force (IAF) for purchase of the Apache in order to increase the IAF's anti-tank capabilities.

Israel became the first nation to have received the AH-64A Apache - other than the US - on 11 September 1990, when the first helicopter arrived. The first nation on the list for export had been Kuwait, but when Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990 the order was delayed. The first two helicopters were assembled in eleven hours - half the time that McDonnell Douglas recommended - and they arrived a day before the planned welcoming ceremony. By 2000, the IAF was operating 42 AH-64As. The AH-64A in Israeli service is known as the AH-64A Peten, which translates to 'Cobra'.

The AH-64A was put into service, and its first combat action occurred on 24 October 1990, with an attack on suspected terrorist positions. AH-64A Petens were used heavily during the 1993 Operation Accountability in Lebanon. They also participated in the 1996 Operation Grapes of Wrath against Hezbollah in Lebanon. On 13 April 1996, AH-64s killed six civilians when they fired two Hellfire missiles at an ambulance. Israeli AH-64s were used to kill senior figures in Hamas during the al-Aqsa Intifada in the 2000's. During the 2006 Lebanon War, IAF Apaches were used again to launch strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Apache saw heavy combat during the 2008 Operation Cast Lead, fighting against Hamas in Gaza. Israeli Apaches have been used to patrol the skies of Gaza, and often carried out strikes there against insurgents.

The IAF AH-64A began to be upgraded to the AH-64Ai standard in 2013, comparable to the AH-64D - which has also been used by the IAF since 2005. The IAF currently operates over 40 AH-64 helicopters in two squadrons.

Devblog

In the early 1970's, the US Army was keen to adopt a more powerful attack helicopter, with improved anti-tank capabilities and performance over the existing AH-1 Cobra in service at the time. As a result, the Army initiated the 'Advanced Attack Helicopter' (AAH) program in November of 1972, requesting design proposals from a number of prominent American helicopter manufacturers.

Subsequently, various designs were proposed by Bell, Boeing, Hughes, Lockheed and Sikorsky. Of all the proposals, the Army picked two designs for further development - the Hughes' Model 77 (YAH-64) and Bell's Model 409 (YAH-63).

After conducting their maiden flights on the 30th of September and the 1st of October, 1975, respectively, further testing of the two prototypes showed deficiencies in the fields of survivability and undercarriage stability on Bell's Model 409. As a result, Bell's design was excluded from the competition, while Hughes' design was declared as the winner of the AAH program in 1976.

Following this, work on refining the YAH-64's design continued throughout the late 1970's. As part of this further development, the YAH-64 was optimized for the use of the newly developed AGM-114 Hellfire missile, which was in development since 1974. By the end of the '70's and going into the early '80's, the AH-64 was considered ready for full scale production. In 1981, the first pre-production machines were built, while the first production models began rolling off the assembly lines in 1983. Since then, the Apache has been produced in a huge numbers, participating in virtually every scale military operation of the US Army: Panama, Iraq, Bosnia, Kosovo, etc. Israel became the first foreign operator of the Apache named AH-64 Peten, where this helicopter saw intense combat in Lebanon and Gaza strip.

Media

Skins
Images
  • Store Pack Images
  • AH-64A Peten Store Pack Image 01.jpg
  • AH-64A Peten Store Pack Image 02.jpg
  • AH-64A Peten Store Pack Image 03.jpg
  • AH-64A Peten Store Pack Image 05.jpg


Videos
AH-64 Apache Ultimate Review - Bob Dickinson

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the helicopter;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

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Boeing Aircraft
Aircraft 
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Bombers  B-17E · B-17E/L · B-17G-60-VE
  B-29A-BN
Export  P-26A-34 · B-17G
Captured  ▅B-17E
Helicopters 
Attack  AH-64A · AH-64D
Export / Licensed  AH-64A (GR) · ▃AH-64A Peten · AH-64A Peten · ▅AH-64DJP · ▄AH Mk.1 · AHS
See Also  Tupolev Design Bureau · Westland Helicopters · Fuji Heavy Industries
  For Boeing-built ships, see Boeing Marine Branch

USA helicopters
Attack 
Black Hawk  MH-60L DAP
Choctaw  H-34
Cobra  AH-1F · AH-1G · AH-1Z
SuperCobra  AH-1W
Kiowa  OH-58D
Little Bird  AH-6M
Apache  YAH-64 · AH-64A · ▃AH-64A Peten · AH-64A (GR) · AH-64D
Utility 
Huey  UH-1B · UH-1C · UH-1C XM-30

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